Joe Donato Band ...

Joe Donato Band to Perform in Sunshine Jazz Org's Concert Series at Miami Shores Country Club April 22, 2018

The monthly Sunshine Jazz Concert Series continues with April’s featured artist, legendary Miami musician Joe Donato. The return of this beloved South Florida Jazz Hall of Fame 2012 Inductee will be accompanied by a superb outfit including Jamie Ousley on acoustic bass, Brian Murphy at the piano, Lenny Steinberg in the drum seat plus a “special surprise guest!”

Joe Donato is widely recognized not only as a saxophonist, but as a respected band leader, composer and lyricist. Born in Vineland, New Jersey, Joe’s parents fostered his musical interests from a very young age. He was encouraged to study sax at age 5 and by age 8 he was playing with adult musicians. At 12 years old Joe joined the American Federation of Musicians Union and at 15 dropped out of school and, with his parents’ blessing, went on tour for more than ten years with an assortment of bands. Joe was “discovered” by University of Miami’s then Dean, Bill Lee, in 1968 and was offered a scholarship to study music at U.M. Since arriving in Miami on New Year’s Day 1970, Joe has lived, studied, performed, and taught in South Florida.

Joe Donato is versatile in the entire woodwind family with a unique performance style and approach to improvisation reflecting a wide variety of musical influences. He has had an extraordinary life and career including tours throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and performances with luminaries such as Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, Carmen McRae and Nina Simone. Joe has also served as an adjunct faculty member or lecturer at U.M., Miami-Dade College and F.I.U. His recordings, “For Friends” and “Live at the Tuscany”, were collaborations with gifted musicians and close friends, Randall Dollahon and Brian Murphy.

Be sure to reserve your seats soon for this very special concert with the great Joe Donato. Sunday, April 22nd, 2018, from 6pm-9pm at Miami Shores Country Club, 10000 Biscayne Blvd., Miami Shores, FL 33138. General Admission is $20 | SJO Members $15. Become an SJO member or renew at the door and your admission is FREE! MSCC features a Music Lounge/Cash Bar/Full Menu and Free Parking. Reservations & Info: Sunjazzorg@aol.com; (954)554-1800, (305)693-2594. Many thanks to our SJO members and sponsors!

Sunday, April 22, 2018 ~ 6-9pm Miami Shores Country Club